> At a Glance
> – Dani Watt toasted husband TJ Watt’s first game back on Jan. 4 after surgery for a partially collapsed lung
> – The Steelers’ star had been hospitalized Dec. 11 following a dry-needling mishap at practice
> – Why it matters: The comeback win clinched a playoff spot and showed the couple’s resilience after welcoming daughter Blakely in March
Dani Watt turned exhaustion into energy as she celebrated TJ Watt’s return to the field just weeks after the linebacker underwent emergency lung surgery.
Game-Day Tribute
The new mom posted a playful Instagram Story from the Jan. 4 matchup against Baltimore, griping that 8:20 p.m. kickoffs “should be illegal” while cradling a coffee cup. She quickly pivoted to hype:
> “But we rally baby because 90 is BACK! 💛”
Her video showed her sporting black-and-gold gear as the Steelers edged the Ravens 26-24 to secure a Wild Card berth.
Medical Timeline
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Injury | Dec. 11 | Dry-needling session at team facility |
| Hospitalization | Dec. 11 | Lung discomfort, scans revealed partial collapse |
| Surgery | Dec. 12 | Successful stabilization procedure |
| Discharge | Dec. 12 | Released to begin recovery |
| Return | Jan. 4 | Suited up vs. Ravens in prime time |
JJ Watt first shared news of the surgery on X, crediting the Steelers’ medical staff and thanking fans for support. Dani echoed the gratitude in her own Story:
> “Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support.”
Key Takeaways
- TJ Watt played his first game since Dec. 11 surgery
- Wife Dani balanced new-mom fatigue with full-throttle fandom
- Steelers now prep for a Jan. 12 Wild Card clash in Houston
- Couple married July 2022 and welcomed daughter Blakely Marie in March
The Watt family saga caps a whirlwind year: wedding vows, first-time parenthood, and a dramatic health scare all within six months.
